(Capital: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Area: 832,031 km2 Population: 127,623)
Shogran valley elevation (7,749 ft/2,362m) The summer season in Shogran is very serene and revives your spirit. It is widely regarded as “the Green Heart” of Pakistan. This alluring tourist spot can be accessed by jeep or horseback. It serves as a base for campers/trekkers in the Northern sites and also draws foreigners like an attraction. The Valley is situated on a plateau that permits travelers to see spectacular views of the location. You can drench yourself in the vision of waterfalls and hike to such picturesque places as Siri Paye and Makra Peak. After a hair-raising ride on a winding mountain road, you can arrive at Siri Paya, which means “Head and Feet” in English. You can view emerald green hillocks and a high grazing meadow. At Mukra Peak elevation (11, 200 feet, 3413.76 m.) you will see jaw-dropping landscapes and can hike by sapphire and turquoise blue lakes under an azure sky. You will see awe-inspiring vistas that will bestow their natural glories on you.
Siri Paye (9,842ft/3,000m) is precious jewel of a destination, but it is only for those travelers with a strong desire to experience adventure at its extreme. The unpaved, forest-lined road is very narrow and steep, with spine-tingling hairpin turns only an experienced driver in a four wheel drive vehicle should attempt the daunting challenge of this intimidating road. But, after your six-kilometer struggle, upon your arrival, you will be rewarded 100 times over by the soul-soothing serenity of the crystal clear waters of Siri Paye Lake and the surrounding enchanting meadow. “Siri” means “lake,” and “Paye,” a “high-grazing “meadow in the local language, Hindko. The site will take your breath away, with its dramatic view of the majestic Peaks: Makra, Malika Perbat, and Musaka Musala. Yellow and lavender wildflowers adorn the meadow where livestock can be seen, grazing peacefully. This spot is virtually unreachable throughout most of the year due to heavy snowfall, and therefore its beauty is pristine. You might have the chance to meet local people, such as herders, who have little contact with the outside world.Warm clothing is highly recommended, even in the summer, as the temperature can drop severely at night.
This valley is incomparable in its pristine state and, as of yet, unspoiled by humans. That's why it is called a “virtual paradise”. You'll glimpse the Himalayan peaks partially hidden by clouds or snow, and fairy-tale lakes, attract you with their magic. You might decide not to leave this haven ever. In peak season, it is thrilling and exciting for mountaineers, trekkers, and explorers. Naran Valley is a 155-km. long, scenic wonderland. Lofty peaks crown the mountain ranges on either side, like turrets, (ranging in height from 12,000to 17,000 ft, 3,657.6 to 5,181.6 m.) with the eastern range higher than the western. The valley bed slopes upward from (3,000 ft, 914.4m.) at Balakot, the gateway of the valley, to (12,000 ft, 3657.6 m.) at Gittdas. Further above, the valley crosses at Babusar Pass (14,000 ft, 4267.2 m) the first ten miles or so are largely barren, but when the valley raises to about (5,000 ft, 1524m) evergreen forests of pine and fir serve as a canopy for a dense variety of plants.